Five Top Tips for Packing Your Hospital Bag: Advice from One of Our Mums

Packing your hospital bag—especially for a planned C-section—can feel a bit overwhelming, particularly if you’ve previously experienced an emergency birth. That’s why we’ve asked Lydia, a mum who’s been there before, to share her top tips. She’s refined her packing list to include only the essentials and learned a few clever tricks along the way. Here’s what she had to say…

1. Pack Two Separate Bags – One for You, One for Baby

Lydia’s number one tip? Keep it simple by using two separate bags—one for you and one for baby. This is especially helpful post-surgery when bending or rummaging through one large bag is a challenge. It also makes it easier for your birth partner or a midwife to grab what you need without any fuss.

Bonus tip: Lydia’s partner also brings a small bag with his own essentials (like phone charger and snacks), so the main focus stays on mum and baby.

2. Think Practically for Baby

You don’t need to bring the entire nursery. Focus on what’s truly essential for a 1–2 night hospital stay:

• 4 sleepsuits and vests (a mix of newborn and tiny baby sizes, just in case)
  
• Cotton hat
  
• 3 muslin cloths
  
• A soft blanket for hospital and a star blanket for the car seat
  
• Nappies
  
• Qudo soother or dummy if using
  

Keeping baby’s bag simple but complete will give you peace of mind—and extra space.

3. Comfort is Key for You

After a C-section, your body needs time and space to recover. Lydia found comfort and ease of access were most important when it came to clothes and toiletries. Here’s her go-to list:

• 3 loose cotton nighties (hospital wards are warm!)
  
• Slippers
  
• 2 breastfeeding-friendly T-shirts and soft high-waist joggers (though she mostly stuck to comfy pants)
  
• Loose dress to go home in—nothing tight around your tummy
  
• Maternity disposable briefs and a couple of extra high-waist knickers
  
• Maternity pads (yes, even after a C-section, you’ll need them)
  
• Breast pads
  
• Comfy nursing bra or standard bra if not breastfeeding
  

4. Create a Simple Wash Bag

Everyone’s version of “essential” toiletries differs, but Lydia recommends packing a compact wash bag with items that help you feel clean and refreshed:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
  
• Face wash and moisturiser
  
• Hairbrush and flannel
  
• Dry shampoo and your own soap/shampoo if preferred
  
• Chewing gum (great for restarting digestion after surgery)
  

Feeling fresh can make a world of difference in those early hours of recovery.

5. Little Extras that Make a Big Difference

Lydia swears by a few small extras that made her stay that bit more comfortable:

• Jelly babies for when you feel shaky or need a sugar boost
  
• Kindle, book, or headphones for quiet moments
  
• Phone charger (essential!)
  
• 2 plastic bags for dirty laundry
  
• A little toy or gift for older siblings to help them feel involved

Lydia also packed a “big brother” Thomas the Tank Engine bag and a Shrek toy from the new baby for her toddler—such a lovely touch for sibling bonding!

Final Thought

Whether it’s your first baby or your third, packing smartly for a hospital stay can ease anxiety and make the experience smoother. Lydia’s experience proves that thoughtful preparation really pays off. Take what you need, skip the rest, and don’t forget—you’ve got this, mum!